Don’t take Christmas away, says B’nai Brith

B'nai Brith Canada has called the decision by a Toronto judge to ban a Christmas tree from being displayed in the lobby of a provincial courthouse "contrary to Canada's mutlicultural spirit".

"In Canada we are taught to celebrate our differences and, wherever possible, to reasonably accomodate our neighbours," said Frank Dimant, B'nai Brith Canada's Executive Vice President. "The vibrancy of our multicultural society depends on us being exposed in positive ways to each other's religious practices, and this will surely lead to tolerance and respect for all peoples, cultures, and ethnicities.

"Canadians should be welcome to celebrate the religious and cultural uniqueness of their holidays, and that ought to include, for example, Christmas trees at this time of year in public places, or menorahs being displayed during the Chanukah season. The goal should not be to remove these special occasions from public life, but instead to ensure that all religions have a place in the cultural fabric of Canadian society."